Doha
24 May 2017

According to a press release by Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar, some safety tips from General Directorate of Civil Defense related with fire safety, especially during the summer.

This initiative aims at spreading and raising awareness among the general public for preventing fire accidents that may occur during the summer.

Safety at Home:

1. When leaving the house for a long time, ensure to close the cooking gas cylinder, turn off all electrical appliances and close the windows and doors tightly.

2 – Please close the faucets and open some sources of ventilation to protect the walls of the house from cracking, especially during the summer.

3 - Make continuous maintenance of important equipment and devices at home, especially in the kitchen, including gas cylinders, electrical wires, air conditioners and other devices in order to avoid fire breakout.

4 - Misuse of gas cylinders may risk your life and the lives of the dearest people to you, so please keep the gas cylinder in a safe place and away from the sun and from the reach of the children and please don’t allow them to enter the kitchen without supervision and don’t allow them to approach the sources of danger inside or outside the house with lighters, insecticides and toxic detergents.

5. When you smell gas odor, immediately open all doors and windows to reduce concentration of leaked gas and never use a burning matchstick near a gas cylinder to locate the place of leakage. In addition to this, please avoid switching on the exhaust fan for ventilation and don’t switch on lights as they may serve as points of ignition to the highly inflammable gas.

6. When a fire breaks out in the oil pan, please avoid pouring water into the pan as it ignites the fire and cover the burning pan by placing the nearest thick lid on the pan or cover it with fire blanket.

7. When a fire breaks out in the trash bin, please cover the burning trash bin immediately with a damp cloth in order to prevent oxygen from igniting the fire.

8. Don’t put on flowing dresses or nylon mixed wears in the kitchen.

9. Please maintain the cleanness of the exhaust fans.

10. Providing a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen will help us to prevent minor fire breakout from the beginning.

11. Place the gas cylinder in a safe place away from burners.

12. Don’t store inflammable items in the kitchen as it will be ignited quickly with heat.

13. Store various items in a safe place perfectly in order to prevent its falling on you or others.

Safety of Commercial Establishments:

1 - Make sure to provide necessary safety and firefighting equipment and devices in commercial and industrial establishments and be keen to conduct evacuation exercises in institutions.

2 - Make sure that there are no obstructions in the corridors and emergency exits that impede the movement of workers and endanger their lives when a fire breaks out.

3 - Be sure to follow proper storage rules and do maintenance of equipment, devices and operating units on a regular basis and please keep on removing the waste from the beginning.

4. Provide enough natural or mechanical ventilation for the exits.

5. Carry out periodical maintenance for the establishment.

Vehicle Safety:

1 – Please check your vehicle on a daily basis before starting the ride and avoid all reasons that help to ignite the fire in the vehicle, especially during the summer and place a usable fire extinguisher in the vehicle in the reach of your hand.

2. Don’t overload the vehicle more than its capacity and stop frequently if you drive the vehicle for long distance.

3. Before riding the vehicle, please make sure that there is enough coolant in the radiator .

4. Carry out periodical checkup for your vehicle by a specialized technician before you start a long trip.

5. When you fuel the vehicle, please switch of the engine and mobile and avoid smoking.

General Safety Tips : -

1- Please keep always with you your address including building no., street no. and zone no. as this will help the emergency service to reach you quickly to save your life.

2 - When a fire breaks out, keep away from the source of heat and fire and evacuate the place immediately and call the emergency number "999".

3. Provide fire extinguisher, fire blanket and first aid kit, etc. Make sure to teach everyone who works or lives with you how to use each of them properly.

4 - Please connect with early warning and automatic fire extinguisher systems for the buildings, namely smoke, heat and gas detectors.

5 – Please don’t overload the electricity by using many devices on a single electric transformer and avoid the use of low quality electrical tools, whether in electrical connections or transformers.

Sant’Agata Bolognese
London
24 May 2017

The Huracán Performante has been awarded the Innovation Award by the UK’s Autocar magazine. The presentation was made to Board Member for Research and Development, Maurizio Reggiani, in an event at Silverstone circuit, which coincided with Lamborghini’s week-long dynamic launch of the car in Italy, to media worldwide.

“The Huracán Performante demonstrates intriguing innovation in its active aerodynamics system,” said Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw. “The award recognises the technology that most impressed us during the last year, something that has broken new ground.

“Having just driven the car at its launch, we can also vouch for the remarkable performance of this naturally aspirated super sports car. The active aerodynamics system takes dynamic handling to a new level.”

“We are very proud to receive formal recognition from a prominent and respected UK automotive publication,” said Maurizio Reggiani. “The Huracán Performante’s abilities are already proven from its production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

'This award provides additional acknowledgement of the car’s prowess, which is largely due to its patented ALA system (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva), and a testament to the talent of our R&D and design teams,' Maurizio Reggiani said.

Abu Dhabi
25 May 2017

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has recognised 11 university students from across the UAE at the inaugural Fikra awards ceremony, held at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Fikra (“idea” in Arabic), was launched in 2016, supporting the UAE government’s drive to encourage innovation among younger generations.

The students were encouraged to think innovatively and harness their entrepreneurial spirit to create ideas that could be implemented in businesses and entities across EAG.

More than 2,600 competition ideas were submitted by students, with 502 reaching the final stages. The final awards were presented for eight proposed ideas from the 11 winning students.

Ray Gammell, Etihad Aviation Group Interim Group CEO, said: “It is critical that we engage and inspire the young people of the UAE and that ethos is at the heart of Fikra, which, in its first year has showcased the incredible talent that exists in this country.

“So much creativity and innovation has been generated through Fikra already and I look forward to seeing how the concepts will evolve in the coming months across Etihad Aviation Group as well as how the competition develops over the next few years.”

The Fikra competition focused on delivering ideas around digital evolution, stopover visits to Abu Dhabi, ancillary sales opportunities, improving loyalty schemes, specialist cargo opportunities, social media, youth engagement, airport experience and the environment.

In addition, there was a special category called ‘Out of the Box’ which allowed students to pitch game-changing ideas. These ideas were in-line with some of the concepts that Etihad Airways has previously introduced, such as The Residence, the airline’s private three-room cabin on the A380 aircraft.

The students’ ideas were judged by members of senior management at EAG and the winning students have been offered an internship at some of the group’s key strategic suppliers, including: BT, Cognizant, SAP, TATA Consultancy Services, Sabre, Stelia Aerospace, Zodiac Aerospace, CAE, B/E Aerospace, Recaro Aircraft Seating and Thales Avionics Inc.

The internships will provide the students with an opportunity to develop themselves and their idea in a professional environment and to experience first-hand how major multinational businesses use and benefit from innovation on a day-to-day basis.

Lamis Abu Ashour, who is studying at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, submitted a winning idea which will enhance the guest experience using existing electronic channels. She will now have a dedicated secondment with Thales Aerospace.

Lamis said: “I have always had a keen interest in aviation and when Fikra was announced I immediately saw an opportunity to show the judges that my ideas could really make a difference. I am excited about my secondment and know this will help me with my future career.”

EAG launched the Fikra last year as part of the UAE’s Innovation Week. Etihad Airways continues to invest significantly in technology and innovation. This investment has transformed its operations and businesses, leveraging technology platforms, digital capability and supplier partnerships.

Doha
27 May 2017

Italian Embassy in State of Qatar paying tribute to Italy's timeless classism and Arabia's finest hospitality, celebrated Italy's National Day at the recently partially opened hand crafted architectural marvel 'Al Hazm Mall' Doha.

Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communication, Government of State of Qatar was the Chief guest on the occasion. He was accompanied with ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar. Around 700 guests on the occasion attended including dignitaries, heads of the foreign missions stationed in Qatar, members of business community, members of the media, members of the Italian community and guests. The guests were served with the traditional Italian culinary including cheese, food, coffee and the music.

Pasquale Salzano, recently taken charge as Italian ambassador to Qatar in his address said that the venue witnesses the deep bonding and cooperation between Qatar and Italy that extends to diverse areas.

"My key focus in the coming days will be to work on further strengthening the ties between the two countries in the fields of construction, technology, defence and tourism," he said.

He told that Italian Foreign Minister visit to Qatar is expected soon, which will further boost cooperation between both Qatar and Italy. The ambassador expressed his gratitude to Qatar for extending help promptly when the central region of his country was reeling under the devastating impact of an earthquake last year."This act of true friendship will always be remembered by us," he said.

Present on the occasion Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO of AlHazm Mall in an exclusive interview told the Editor of the website that it took 10 years to complete Al Hazm Mall. Thousands of tons of marble used in the masterpiece unique architecture took almost five years only for huge carving work. AEmadi told that most of the stone imported mainly from Italy which is witness to Qatar-Italy close relations.

A cake cutting ceremony was held followed by ambassador's speech.

Doha
25 May 2017

Employees from Etihad Airways and Airbus gathered at the European plane-maker’s Hamburg Finkenwerder plant in Germany, where the aircraft was officially handed over to the UAE national airline before commencing its delivery flight to Abu Dhabi.

The airline’s award-winning double-decker A380s are the most customised aircraft of their kind in commercial service and feature unique innovations such as The Residence, a three-room living space for up to two guests, including a living room, a private shower-room, and a bedroom.

The aircraft also boasts nine First Apartments, 70 Business Studios, a Lobby Lounge, and 415 Economy Smart Seats.

Etihad Airways operates its fleet of Airbus A380s on flights from the UAE capital to London, Sydney, New York, and from 1st July for Paris.

Doha
(PRMOI)
26 May 2017

Public Relations Department of Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar has issued a press release for general public information about the working hours of various departments serving the public during Holy month of Ramadan as follows:

The General Directorate of Passports, General Directorate of Traffic, Criminal Evidences and Information Department and all their units will work from 0800 AM – 0530 PM in two shifts.

The Security Departments operating in shifts, will work round the clock.

Islamabad
26 May 2017
(APP)

Finance minister Ishaq Dar Friday, lauding the contributions made by expatriate Pakistanis, announced that the government wanted them to invest in the national infrastructure and in that connection, US$ 1 billion non-convertible bond would be issued.

The proposed bond would be floated through establishment of Pakistan Development Fund, he said.

The minister informed the Capital Development Authority would also announce a separate sector to make expatriates’ investment secure in the real estate of the country.

Doha
25 May 2017

Hotel Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha announces it's special packages for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan for it's guests to enjoy the finest traditions in a setting of palatial grandeur, pairing intimate social gatherings with unparalleled culinary experiences.

Guests are invited to celebrate breaking the fast at the famous Palatial Ramadan Tent, located in the inspiring setting of the Palazzo Ballroom.

The guests can enjoy the luscious Iftar and Sohour buffets, featuring the multi-awarded Levantine cuisine of Al Sufra, headed by Executive Arabic Sous Chef Julien Al Khal, along with other delicious dishes inspired by Qatari, Middle Eastern and other cuisines, in a joyful yet intimate atmosphere with daily world-class entertainment.

The awarded Levantine cuisine of Al Sufra, meaning “the dining room” in Arabic, will be the main feature of the Palatial Ramadan Tent experience, blending traditional recipes and flavours from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan and Palestine in a buffet section curated by Chef Julien Al Khal. Other food sections will include healthy salads, appetisers and main courses from cuisines around the world. The offerings are perfect for sharing among families and friends and served to the sounds of understated background music.

The Iftar buffet is offered at QAR 240 per person from sunset till 8 pm, while the Sohour buffet is offered at QAR 290 per person from 9 pm till late. Children under 6 years of age eat free. Children between 6 and 12 years of age enjoy 50% off.

Additionally, Café Murano will be open daily throughout Ramadan with a variety of sweet and savoury à la carte offerings. The popular café will be open from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski is Doha’s leading resort destination at The Pearl-Qatar, perfectly located for tranquil Ramadan and Eid family times. Ramadan is a time for sharing, caring and enjoying treasured time with loved ones. Guests can book online at www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz and enjoy 15% off the best available room rates (starting from QAR 890 in a Deluxe Room) and 15% off all Marsa Malaz Kempinski managed restaurants (excluding alcohol) from 25 May till 30 September (excluding Eid-Al-Fitr & Eid-Al-Adha).

For more information on the Palatial Ramadan Tent experience, to visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz/ramadan. For reservations, may contact +974 4035 5011 or e-mail restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha thanks its partners for assisting in creating another majestic Ramadan experience; Alfardan Sports Motors, Alfardan Jewellery and Qatar Airways, the Official Airline of the Palatial Ramadan Tent.

Moscow
25 May 2017
(PNA)

Philippine business delegations here were able to bag around USD 875 million (appx. PHP 44 billion) worth of business-to-business (B2B) deals, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.

“A number would be in the areas of iron and steel, transport, agri-business, multi-purpose vehicles, power, energy, property development, transport and construction,” Lopez added.

Over 200 Philippine-based businessmen are here in Russia for business fora in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The business event is on the sidelines of the official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte here.

President Duterte is supposed to meet the businessmen here, however, he had to cut his trip short after declaring martial law in Mindanao.

The trade chief added that he will reiterate to the business community that the developments in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, will not affect business in the country.

“We have to deliver the message that business will continue and isolated lawless violence like the one that happened in Marawi shall be quickly suppressed,” Lopez said in a previous statement.

“The economic breakout and the robust growth momentum of the country will not be affected. Economic growth that brings more jobs and income opportunities for the Filipinos, especially in the countryside, will continue,” he added.

Aside from B2B deals, the trade chief signed two agreements in Moscow with his Russian counterpart.

These bilateral documents include Memorandum of Intent between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Economic Development to foster mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Industry Development to strengthen the industries of both countries by subcontracting to certain industries and sharing of technology.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has assured Russian businessmen that it is “business as usual” in the Philippines despite the martial law declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte in Mindanao.

During the Philippine-Russia Business Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel here, Lopez said the situation in Mindanao is under control.

“It’s business as usual in the Philippines,” he told businessmen attending the forum.

Moreover, the DTI chief presented in the business forum the ‘Dutertenomics’ or the socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte administration which aims to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos, address inequality, and reduce poverty in the country.

The Philippines business delegation is composed of businessmen in sectors of construction, infrastructure, logistics, power, entertainment, information technology and services, among others.

Manila
25 May 2017

An earthquake has been felt in the Philippine capital Manila, witnesses and the country's seismology agency said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said in a tweet to expect aftershocks, but major damage was unlikely.

It said the quake was magnitude 5.5 reported and occurred in Zambales northwest of Manila, on the main island of Luzon. The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.3 and struck at a depth of 93 km.

Reuters witnesses felt the quake in for up to 20 seconds and tall buildings shook briefly.